Held at St. Michael's Church in Saratoga, the event featured both a silent and live auction that netted close to $90,000 for a donation to an organization that provides assistance to the homeless in the Bay Area.

Dale Ann Collings of Coldwell Banker in Cupertino, who served as co-chair with Robert Reid of Coldwell Banker in Saratoga, said the successful event was one of the largest Realtor charity fundraisers in Silicon Valley. "A dedicated group of volunteers works all year on this event, and we appreciate their efforts as well as the support of all the Realtors and associate members of Silicon Valley Association of Realtors," said Collings. "It's also great to see the involvement from our community."

Sponsors for the event included "angel sponsor" Coldwell Banker of Northern California, "diamond sponsor" World Savings and "platinum sponsors" Windermere Properties, Siamack Shariat of Banker's Network Corporation and Gino Blefari of Intero Real Estate Services. Food for the event was provided by DNL Catering, Max's, Pat Smith's Extravaganza, Tapestry, Pedro's of Los Gatos, Harry's Hofbrau, Delicioso, Gervais and Villagio.

One of the highlights of the evening was the live auction, in which one item brought top dollar at a bid of $5,500 for an Italian dinner for 10 at the Monte Sereno home of Coldwell Banker Executive Vice President Chris Trapani. The festive evening includes dinner by celebrity chef Joey Altman and an opera singer for entertainment.

"This is the kind of event that is not only fun but serves a wonderful purpose—to raise funds to help others in the community who are not as fortunate," said Silicon Valley Association of Realtors President Alicia Tuvell of Coldwell Banker in Los Altos. "Realtors care deeply about their communities and this allows us to give something back in the very neighborhoods where we live and work."

At a time when job layoffs and the economy have made such a huge impact on Silicon Valley, the support is truly appreciated by Housing Industry Foundation Executive Director Debbie Wade. "This year has been a challenge for nonprofit agencies all across the county. The slowing economy, combined with the after-effects of the terrorist attacks, have left many charities desperate for funds. Human service organizations in most communities are experiencing the same phenomenon—demand is up and income is down.

"That's why this contribution from the Realtors means so much to our organization, since it will allow us to continue to help families and individuals who are faced with a housing crisis. The dollar amount received from this event represents 10 percent of our annual budget," said Wade.

The Housing Industry Foundation, a nonprofit charity organized in 1989 by members of the apartment, real estate and building industries, helps individuals and families to either remain in or return to stable housing through emergency housing grants. In addition, the group takes a hands-on approach by providing funding and volunteers for special housing projects and renovations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The foundation also provides housing disaster relief services, and most recently stepped in to aid victims who lost their homes because of the Santana Row fire in San Jose.

The goal of the organization is to provide assistance without a lot of red tape and to extend a helping hand that will keep people in stable housing or will give them an opportunity to get back on their feet. Wade shared several examples of the kind of assistance that is provided by the Housing Industry Foundation.

* A single mother who works full time and goes to school at night did not receive child support payments for several months from her ex-husband, causing financial hardship. Then, when her car was totaled in an accident, she was without transportation. The Housing Industry Foundation provided assistance until she received a raise and found a second job to support her three children.

* A client with inoperable cancer had to quit his job. He used all his savings to pay for housing and other living expenses, but needed to start chemotherapy. The foundation helped bridge the gap until other benefits come through for treatment and housing expenses.

* Emergency surgery without insurance to cover the cost meant the loss of housing for one client. By staying in hotels or with friends, she managed to keep her daughter, a straight-A student, in school, but needed financial assistance to tide her over until she found a full-time job and new housing. With assistance from the Housing Industry Foundation, she and her daughter will now be able to maintain a stable household.

"Whether it's a sudden illness, an accident, a fire or a job loss, anyone can find themselves faced with losing their home or housing," said Wade. "Our organization assists financially with rent, mortgage payments, utilities, repairs and security deposits on a onetime, emergency basis. We also support local shelters and transitional housing programs through renovations and improvement of their facilities so they can help people become self-sufficient and get off the streets."

Throughout the year, members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors participate as volunteers for shelter renovation work days and other events, in addition to the Home for the Holidays fundraiser.

"We are proud of our Realtor members who are actively involved in projects and programs that address the issues of housing affordability and homelessness," said Tuvell. "We are pleased to be able to support an organization like the Housing Industry Foundation that is able to make such a difference in the lives of people right here in Silicon Valley."

The Housing Industry Foundation works with other nonprofit groups in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties that provide referrals for grants and emergency assistance. For more information or to make a donation to the Housing Industry Foundation, call 408.369.9900.